WPLG reports the 2,500 pounds of cocaine seized marks a historic multi-national operation - a drug interdiction where an armed U.S. Coast Guard helicopter launched from a British ship to catch suspected drug smugglers.

The operation happened on Jan. 22, just south of the Dominican Republic. Coast Guard officials said their aircraft spotted a 25-foot speeding boat with 4 people and suspicious packages aboard.

"It's a tremendous win for U.S., for the U.K. And for our international partners to stop the flow of illegal drugs," said Somma.

Officials detained the suspected smugglers and recovered 45 bales of cocaine from the water.

The four smugglers will be transferred to law enforcement authorities in the U.S.

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